Timothy Hursley
We all know St. Louis has talent. Just cruise along the streets and stroll through any number of houses, and you'll see what the local architects and designers can do and have done. But we didn't realize the depth of the bench until we reworked our Architect of the Year award to include interior design — and a panel of heavyweight, nationally known judges. The number of entries soared 90 percent over the number collected in 2007.
Although no sweeps rivaled Michael Phelps, Susan Bower and Stephen Leet won three firsts, while three firms — brooksBerry & Associates, CLB Designs and Tao + Lee — each won two first-place awards. Of all the companies that entered (the entries ultimately numbered 115), 37 firms ended up with at least one top-three placement apiece.
The results for each of the 21 categories follow — and each first place includes a description of the project written by the entrant and some pithy comments sent from the judges. If you are listed, please accept our heartfelt congratulations. The competition was tough; the judges were (if possible) tougher. If you're not among those named, please enter again — or for the first time — next year. The Architect & Design Awards are now a prized AT HOME tradition. And in contrast to those glitzy global games, ours is an annual affair.
Category 1 / Historic Residential Renovation
Category 2 / Remodel Less Than 1,000 Square Feet
Winner: Susan Bower & Stephen Leet, 8 The Knolls, 314-991-5497
The Project: In 1955 St. Louis architect Nolan Stinson Jr. designed this house as his family residence in Creve Coeur. The plan and siting bear similarity to Frank Lloyd Wright's Usonian houses, as well as to Dunn and Stinson's own National Garden Clubs building, designed shortly after this house. Its wood plank-and-beam structure and redwood board-and-batten siding are similar to postwar wood-frame Neutra houses. The house was originally designed and built as a 1,400-square-foot, three-bedroom house on two half levels, with an unfinished half basement that was later altered to include two rooms and a second bathroom.
In 1997 the current owners bought the house, saving it from demolition as a tear-down. Renovations in 2006 included designs for a new kitchen, upstairs bathroom and stairway and the transformation of the half basement into a master bedroom suite. The intent of this renovation was to preserve the original character of the darker, exposed-wood living and dining rooms on the home's main level by contrasting it with a lighter-material palette in the renovated rooms, plus open up the home's darker spaces with natural light. The stairway renovation and redesign of the half basement into a master bedroom suite continue this contrast with the original materials of the house, introducing new cork floors, white walls and ceilings, and lighting. To allow more daylight into the house, closed clerestory windows in the stairwell and hallway were opened, and the aluminum-sash awning windows in the kitchen were replaced with fixed glass.
The Judges Wrote: "Cork floor is terrific. 1955 meets 2008." "Great kitchen. Nice mix of wood and white." "Looks great from what we see here."
Category 1 - Second Place:
The Lawrence Group
319 N. 4th, 314-231-5700,
Category 1 - Third Place:
Space LLC
3130 Sutton, 314-647-2020,
Category 2 - Second Place Tie:
Tao + Lee
308 N. 21st, 314-446-0885,
Havens Construction
10405 Baur, 314-692-0134
Category 2 - Third Place:
J. Robert Green
338 S. Kirkwood, 314-909-6655
Category 3 / Remodel Greater Than 1,000 Square Feet
Winner: Tao + Lee, 308 N. 21st, 314-446-0885, taolee.com
The Project: This West Coast couple was looking to re-create their "California" home. The goals included transforming and opening up this modest ranch-style house, located in a secluded neighborhood within a heavily wooded area, to make it feel like a part of the landscape.
The remodel included selective removal of walls and the building of new and repositioned openings to create an openness and a flow between the primary living spaces, as well as the relocation of the kitchen to the center of the plan, to create a large, central living/dining "loft"-like space. In concert with new exterior window openings to the front and rear, this central space became an indoor-outdoor room and the pivotal space of the house. Adding a new stair to the basement further opened up the house, and a new "rustic" deck, wrapping around the addition, reinforced the feeling that the interior was a part of the wooded exterior.
The Judges Wrote: "Killer kitchen." "Nice extension. The upstairs is more dynamic and interesting; I'm not convinced that this railing fits this space; nice use of red." "Very well thought out with exceptional detailing inside. The bright, open interiors are great. Fixture selection looks good; furniture in the living room looks 'iffy.' All in all, first rate — especially when we can see from the 'before' pics that this was a very modest and poorly designed home."
Second Place:
Space LLC
3130 Sutton, 314-647-2020,
Third Place:
Bond & Wolfe
200 S. Bemiston, 314-863-4994,
Category 4A / Addition Project Independent of the Residence
Winner: Jeffery S. Poss Architect, 208 W. Pennsylvania, Urbana, Ill., 217-390-6993, jefferyspossarchitect.net
The Project: This meditation hut is located in the back corner of a residential garden, nestled in a mature landscape. Much like a wrapped gift, its single material — white cedar shingles — covers the entire exposed exterior surface. The hand-cut shingles were layered and detailed to create a simple archetypal house shape — like a child's first attempt to represent a dwelling in drawing form.
The interior is unadorned, except for three tatami mats on the black-stained structural base. Reflective white walls create an environment of simplicity and lightness. Small windows were placed throughout the surface to cross-ventilate and frame specific views — including the head of a buddha sculpture and the surrounding plants. The surrounding trees filter restrained light into the space throughout the day. The free-standing, floating structure softly resonates with the songs of birds from adjacent trees.
The Judges Wrote: "Lovingly done! Simple, well thought out and well detailed." "Super sweet. Love the exterior." "Wow! Sign me up for yoga. So very restrained and spare, what's not to like? Simplicity is so hard to achieve. Congratulations. I always like the Monopoly houses. Very well sited, well made and well lit."
Second Place:
Mackey Mitchell Architects
800 St. Louis Union Station, 314-421-1815
Third Place:
Sutton Studio
3723 Commonwealth, 314-644-6456,
Category 4B / Addition Project Attached To Residence
Winner: Gunn & Smith, 6244 Clayton Avenue, 314-644-3150, gunnandsmith.com
The Project: The clients, transplants from Manhattan, fell in love with this 1920s Tudor home despite its deteriorating condition, both inside and out, and its lack of all "modern" amenities.
The design challenge was to introduce new ideas while respecting the stylistic integrity of the extant structure and preserving its charm. To provide continuity and wed old with new, architectural motifs (e.g., leaded-glass windows, French doors, timber lintels, gabled dormers) and precisely matched materials (brick, brick pattern and mortar, slate shingles) were used throughout. The imposing 2 1/2-story wing addition is in balance with the original residence. The first floor consists of a mudroom, kitchen, hearth room/breakfast room and conservatory. An adjacent guest bedroom and bath nestle under a gently raked roof. The roof of the new garage now serves as a formal kitchen garden. The first floor opens onto multilevel bluestone terraces, designed with built-in planters. The second floor provides spaces augmenting the master bedroom: a wardrobe/dressing room complex, spa bath and exercise room. Plus, a dank basement became a wine cellar and playroom.
The Judges Wrote: "Good traditional-style craftsmanship." "I want to have breakfast here — looks great! Nice ceiling and nice built-ins." "The addition is beautiful, well proportioned and elegant. A sure hand at work. Construction quality and design detail seem very good. ... Landscaping is appropriate to the style, slightly wild and effusive."
Second Place:
Berkowitz Design
314-725-7797,
Third Place:
Bond & Wolfe
200 S. Bemiston, 314-863-4994,
Category 5 / Best Residential Architecture Less Than 4,000 Square Feet
Winner: Killeen Studio, 305 Salena, 314-771-0883, killeenstudio.com
The Project: This young married couple with a small business wanted a sustainable, modern "Dwell House" for their 120- by 35-foot lot in South St. Louis that anticipated current and future needs. The house's features include the following:
- New 2,550-square-foot single-family home with connected garage
- First floor: Stairs, bath, laundry, closets and utility are banked on one wall to allow the kitchen, dining room and living room to flow together
- Second floor: master bedroom, guest room and open office
- Open feel is enhanced with white walls, exposed ductwork and 3⁄4-inch bamboo flooring
- Exterior (tan brick, metal panels, large metal windows and flat roof) designed to have the modern lines the owners desired yet tastefully contrast with the neighboring 1920s bungalows
- Sustainable design features: minimization of waste during construction and, most important, a location that eliminated the couple's commute to work
What makes this house interesting is the bravado of its location. The owners wanted to build a "Dwell House," but were dubious as to whether they would actually go through with the plans, given the site's traditional context. Many past clients with similar modern intentions have either suspended their project or opted for more conservative forms. These clients, however, were steadfast. Rather than worrying about resale value or what other people might think, they had the architects design what was perfect for them. Their attitude was such that when it comes time to part with the home, not everyone will love it, but there will be one person who will see the house the way they do and will love it too.
The Judges Wrote: "Clear plan and massing. Nice entry and simple, clean interior. Exterior metal cladding is well-intentioned but overscaled and a bit crudely detailed." "Small and smart." "Like the front. Strange elevation."
Second Place:
Havens Construction
10405 Baur, 314-692-0134
Third Place Tie:
Paul Fendler and Iain Fraser
5201 Pattison, 314-664-7225,
Metropolitan Design & Building
7174 Manchester, 314-781-7778,
Category 6 / Best Residential Architecture Greater Than 4,000 Square Feet
Winner: George W. Johannes, 6366 Cedar Ridge, Edwardsville, Ill., 314-276-4565
The Project: The design of this house was conceived concurrently with the design of the landscaping and the new lake by the guesthouse. Consequently, each has been carefully integrated to create a coherent statement of place with the house as an essential element of the landscape scheme.
The pavilion concept of the design allows views through the house from the exterior, minimizing its intrusion into the natural landscape, as well as placing its occupants within that natural setting. To enhance the dissolving of inside-outside separation, specific architectural devices were brought into play. Floor-to-ceiling windows, combined with a stained-concrete floor and subtle grid running throughout the interior and the exterior paving of the entry walk and lakeside terrace, reinforce the sense of a pavilion, with minimal demarcation of inside versus outside. The mullionless corner windows in the bedrooms are designed for the same purpose. The center gathering space, the "dogtrot," actually becomes an outside space in moderate weather when the 8-foot-wide sliding panels at either end are opened.
Significant energy-conserving measures have been incorporated to partially offset the extensive use of glass. The house is designed to naturally ventilate through hopper windows placed near the floor throughout, combined with clerestory vent windows in the high spaces under deep roof overhangs. Floors provide radiant heating. Glazing throughout is insulated low-e glass. Heating and cooling utilize a geothermal exchange system, with hundreds of feet of tubing on the floor of the lake providing a constant 55-degree source of heat exchange. The home's materials — bamboo, Douglas fir, stone, copper roofing and stained concrete — provide warmth and reinforce the Zen quality of the house and the Japanesque approach to the gardens and lake design.
The Judges Wrote: "Really clear idea — restrained and elegant. Nice relationships with the site, good proportions and details." "Intriguing project." "Beautiful landscape; nice covered deck." "Super! Well sited, beautifully landscaped, nicely furnished, great plan, well lit and big. It has it all and is very well done. A master hand at work here. Two small criticisms: It is just shy of being a touch high corporate, and please! Light that tremendous landscape as well as you have [lit] the architecture."
Second Place:
Saur & Associates
(4545 Lindell)
168 N. Meramec, 314-727-4484,
Third Place:
Saur & Associates
(Highland Lofts)
168 N. Meramec, 314-727-4484,
Category 7 / Best Green Construction of a Home
Winner: The Lawrence Group, 319 N. 4th, 314-231-5700, thelawrencegroup.com
The Project: The architectural design vision for this development was to develop a residential neighborhood in the Jeffersonian Classical style. Jeffersonian elements expressed in the design of the Charlottesville model shown here emphasize the use of carefully detailed brickwork, round windows, curved walls and special ceiling treatments — all designed to create balance and symmetry.
Covered entries, roof overhangs and a gutter-and-downspout system were installed for water efficiency. A perimeter drain for all basement footings and a water-resistant barrier behind the exterior veneer were also added. The company utilized all recycled-content building materials and used products that contained fewer resources. These materials were made from renewable resources and indig-enous materials.
ENERGY STAR products, including the windows, a gas furnace with at least 88 percent efficiency and mechanic exhaust were installed. ANSI was retained to size, design and install a duct system, as well as the heating and cooling equipment. Raised-heel trusses were incorporated into the design of the roof. No building cavities were used as ductwork, and the company installed a whole-house instantaneous (tankless) water heater and return ducts.
During the construction period, HVAC outlets were masked; a tightly sealed door was placed between the garage and living area to provide a continuous air barrier, plus a kitchen range exhaust that vents to the outside. Among other energy-saving features, MERV 9 filters are used on the central air system, and the company added a sub-slab depressurization system and vapor retarder, located directly under the slab.
The Judges Wrote: "What would Jefferson do?" "'Green' can be invisible and livable!"
Second Place:
Sage Homebuilders
12400 Olive, 314-576-5550,
Category 8 / Best Urban Renewal Project
Winner: Heine & Croghan, 7357 Dale, 314-645-4000, heine-croghan.com
The Project: In 2002 the DeSales Community Housing Corporation hired Heine & Croghan to study the derelict 2800 block of Russell and design new single- and multifamily homes for a model infill project. To bring that vision to reality, DeSales had to acquire and then tear down a gas station and remediate the accompanying environmental problems. It also bought other city-owned properties, including an expendable ranch house from the 1960s and the former George and Emma Denison House — a splendid building from 1880 that had been divided into an eight-room boarding house. The resulting streetscape combines two single-family houses, a pair of two-family houses and the restored Denison House.
Upon its completion in 2007, the project was selected from among hundreds of candidates by the Landmarks Association of St. Louis to receive one of only 11 "Most Enhanced Awards" for the year.
The Judges Wrote: "Good response to the difficult problem of mixing unit types and creating affordable variety. It is vernacular without being kitsch." "How to save a neighborhood — very impressive." "Journeyman, solid."
Second Place:
Space LLC
3130 Sutton, 314-647-2020,
Category 9 / Best Residential Swimming Pool/Spa
Winner: TA0 + LEE, 308 N. 21st, 314-446-0885, taolee.com
The Project: The goal was to transform a two-story Italianate stucco residence for a young family of six. The project was implemented in two phases, Phase I being the main house, Phase II being the pool and pool house. The clients wanted a design that would provide generous, open, communal spaces to match their interactive lifestyle. They wanted these communal "family" spaces toward the rear of the house to take advantage of the large back yard, an integral focus for this active family.
A new garage (and second-floor guest suite) linked by a new covered breezeway provides a buffer from the utilitarian driveway while creating privacy, containment and an edge for the rear yard. The breezeway also connects the main home with the pool and pool house beyond.
A glass fence was adopted to promote as much visibility of the total rear yard as possible, as well as provide a visual connection between the pool and the communal interior spaces.
The pool house itself was kept simple, as a covered room, respecting the style of the original home. Movable exterior wood-panel walls were provided to close the room during the off-season.
The Judges Wrote: "Good melding of traditional materials and details with a modern spatial sensibility." "So serene. Who wouldn't want this?" "Like the truss/roof structure."
Second Place:
A. Miles Designs, LLC
2950 Milton,
314-517-0460
Third Place:
Heine & Croghan
737 Dale, 314-645-4000,
Category 10 / Best Deck/Patio/Porch
Winner: Laura Neri Baebler Architects & Associates, 338 S. Kirkwood, 314-909-4979, lnbarchitects.com
The Project: The goals were to design a sheltered summer vacation space that inspires relaxation and provides an entertainment point adjacent to a saltwater pool, as well as to create a visual link between the main house and pool house. Offering a covered seating area, pool bath, kitchen/bar and storage, the structure can close completely for storage of outdoor furniture and daily contents.
The design challenge was a steeply sloped yard, coupled with the rear yard setback, which left no level ground. The visual connection seemed impossible with the site's very low and distant location and angles from the house.
The architectural design concept was to create an exterior focal point in the wooded back yard that was unique in roof shape, with natural materials that evoke the atmosphere of a wood "hut" next to the saltwater "sea." The company defined the beacon using a steeply pitched roof for visibility, clad in wood shake for context. A stained-wood ceiling follows the roof form to give the room a spacious feel. The circular pavement around the structure helps the small pavilion live large, emphasizing a view of the surrounding area to visually expand the covered area. It is angled to borrow the deepest view through the woods and create an axis with the pool. Support functions shield the neighbor's house view. Pool equipment/filters are accessible and hidden in a rear walkout basement. Electric retractable screens offer instant mosquito protection when desired. Retractable, colored, metal rolling shutters secure the interior at the push of a button. Boulder retaining walls at the perimeter provide nooks for planting and a feeling of breathing room at the pool house level. Natural materials borrowed from the existing house and the back yard allow the retreat to escape, yet belong.
The Judges Wrote: "The outdoor room everyone wants now." "Like the interior drapes and exterior; the interior cabinets are not well placed." "Pool house looks very comfy and has been well styled for the shot to really convey that quality."
Second Place:
Marc Christian Fine Cabinetry
2366 Schuetz, 314-994-7111,
Category 11 / Best Residential Landscape Design Construction
Winner: Moynihan & Associates, 6651 Dale, 314-645-5200
The Project: Located in the Central West End, this midcentury home is half the size of its stately neighbors and the only Modernist residence to have been built on a historic street of Beaux-Arts and Georgian-style mansions. Designed by Frederick Dunn in 1948, construction of the house was initially met with contention and controversy.
When it was acquired in the late 1990s, the residence was in its original red brick, with tan louver siding. After extensive research and consultation with Terence Riley, formerly curator of architecture at MoMA, the homeowner elected to change the exterior to a painted white finish, consistent with Modernist structures of the early 20th century. Following renovations to the main residence, guesthouse and garage/pool house, the homeowner contacted Moynihan & Associates to create a new plan for the property, compatible with the Modernist vision. The exterior hardscape, including drive, drive court, patios and walkways, was all reconfigured.
The ensuing landscape's style is formal French Modernist. A dense hedge of hollies was replaced with a double-sided allée of American hornbeams. Several varieties of boxwoods are used as ground cover. Designed to enhance what is now regarded as a Modernist classic, the landscape is a disciplined study in shades of green (and white), with shadow play. At the back of the property, a complementary architectural garden room was created. A set of masonry walls arcs out from the patio, framing both the residence and two Tang dynasty recumbent pumas. Boxwood and holly border the central lawn panel, the focal point of which is a sculpture by Joel Shapiro. The north side of the property terminates in a row of towering magnolias. The exterior rooms visually and spatially balance the residence and dramatically expand its scale, forming the other side of an elegant green equation. The landscape provides an extension of the residence, with artworks carefully placed to reflect this symbiotic relationship.
The Judges Wrote: "Tranquil and very beautiful." "Nice, simple landscape that fits architecture." "Fabulous marriage of Beaux-Arts landscape planning and Modernist design. I doubt if it looked anywhere near this good when new! Very restrained and skillful; I hope they maintain the plantings to preserve the visual separation and evenness between individual tress and bushes. This is what gives power to the design."
Second Place:
Moynihan & Associates
6651 Dale, 314-645-5200
Third Place:
The Outsider Landscape Design, LLC
3866 Olde Mill, Byrnes Mill, 314-288-7544
Category 12 / Best Interior Design of a Bath
Winner: Marc Christian Fine Cabinetry, 2366 Schuetz, 314-994-7111, marcchristian.com
The Project: There was no need to raise the roof for this 1920s vintage home's second-floor bathroom. Careful design led to a remodel that enlarged the space without altering the home's footprint.
The space-saving vintage-style pedestal sink and soaking claw-foot tub are backed with Anne Sacks' White Thassos-brick pattern tile with Ming green circle border. The tile flooring is a basket-weave White Thassos pattern with Ming green border and accents. Polished nickel details from Waterworks as well as the lighting over the sink add to the old-time atmosphere.
Extra space was discovered for a shower by utilizing an existing closet. This allowed for a spacious shower that the home previously lacked. Under the sloped roof was the perfect place to add a seat.
The detailed tile work is used throughout. Along with craftsmanship and design, it truly is the focal point of this vintage-style bathroom.
The Judges Wrote: "Well worked out within obvious space limitations. Bright and approachable!" "Perfect blend of tradition and modern comfort." "Colors are great." "Textbook-perfect example of its type."
Second Place:
Glen Alspaugh Co.
9808 Clayton, 314-993-6644,
Third Place:
Havens Construction
10405 Baur, 314-692-0134,
Category 13 / Best Interior Design of a Kitchen
Winner: CLB Interiors, 1866 Craigshire, 314-721-3232, clbinteriors.com
The Project: Attention to detail and precise space utilization were key in the design of this home's deluxe kitchen. In order to accommodate the client's requests, appear-ance could not be achieved at the expense of functionality.
The goal was to incorporate a full island with bar and cooktop into a very tight space. The designer was also charged with opening up the breakfast room to the kitchen to make one large area.
These challenges were met with a bold and innovative strategic design plan. For the island to be added, it was imperative that every drawing be created with extreme accuracy and wasted space be eliminated. Every drawer and cabinet had a specific purpose. For the breakfast room to open up to the kitchen, a wall was knocked out, adding a spacious aspect that the room previously lacked.
The Judges Wrote: "Well balanced. Good use of a small space. Warm colors and materials." "Original contemporary style." "Like the colors and textures."
Second Place Tie:
brooksBerry & Associates Kitchens and Baths
751 Old Frontenac Square, 314-872-7720,
Glen Alspaugh Co.
9808 Clayton, 314-993-6644,
Third Place Tie:
Marc Christian Fine Cabinetry
2366 Schuetz, 314-994-7111,
Tom Manche Interiors
7478 Stratford, 314-727-3139,
Category 14 / Best Interior Design of a Master Suite
Winner: CLB Interiors, 1866 Craigshire, 314-721-3232, clbinteriors.com
The Project: The challenge on this project was to create a master bath with a separate tub and shower, toilet room, linen closet and separate laundry room with an ironing center.
This all had to be done within an unaccommodating 27- by 12-foot master bedroom and 5-foot-10-inch by 9-foot-8-inch existing bath. If that wasn't challenge enough, the client also wished to include a 36-inch-high vanity with double sinks, a freestanding tub and nonfluorescent lighting.
Through moving walls and using space from an unused bedroom, CLB designers created a 9-foot-4-inch by 14-foot-10-inch master bath with a 6- by 4-foot separate toilet room and freestanding tub. This solution also allowed the design firm to incorporate an expansive walk-in closet, a laundry room built for a front-loading washer and dryer, and a minimalist, contemporary master bedroom.
The Judges Wrote: "Very coherent and well crafted. Feels a bit impersonal though, like a hotel." "Super chic hotel-style bedroom." "Nice, simple." "Like [double sink] part of the bath." "Very minimum and sleek."
Second Place:
brooksBerry & Associates Kitchens and Baths
751 Old Frontenac Square, 314-872-7720,
Third Place:
Directions in Design
1849 Craig, 314-205-2010,
Category 15 / Best dining room / NO WINNER
Category 16 / Best Interior Design of a Powder Room
Winner: brooksBerry & Associates Kitchens and Baths, 751 Old Frontenac Square, 314-872-7720, brooksberry.com
The Project: When this house was built, it had no bath or dressing room off the swimming pool. To correct the oversight, a new space was carved out of wasted space between a wet bar and two hallways. Though not large, the area functions beautifully due to careful attention to light coming into the space and ample use of mirrors. Obscure glass "borrow lights" were installed in the inside walls adjacent to the exterior windows. A wall-mounted tank-in-wall toilet with water-saving two-button flush was used.
The vanity was built out of black slate using a Parsons table look with mitered corners and floating drawers, with hand-towel pulls and an open guest towel shelf below. The Philippe Starck faucets, fixtures and accessories make a minimalist contemporary look consistent throughout the home.
The Judges Wrote: "Nice fixtures and details." "Nice, simple, clean look."
Second Place:
BrooksBerry & Associates Kitchens and Baths
Third Place:
brooksBerry & Associates Kitchens and Baths
Category 17 / Best Foyer / NO WINNER
Category 18 / Best Interior Design of a Living Room
Winner: Tom Manche Interiors, 7478 Stratford, 314-727-3139
The Project: The design for this condo in a historical building in the Central West End was to be classic contemporary, incorporating many art objects collected during the clients' world travels. The color palette was to suggest peacefulness and tranquility.
The room was a large, L-shaped space with 10-foot ceilings and tall windows. One side included a fireplace and built-in bookcases, and the other was adjacent to a sunroom. The designer chose a light taupe for the walls and a deeper shade for the fireplace wall. For the bookcases, a tranquil shade of blue-green was used, which was then carried through to the entry hall and dining room. Lime green was used as an accent color.
The furniture chosen had classic contemporary lines, and the fabrics were warm shades of brown, blue-green and lime, all meeting the clients' desire for a serene space. Their art objects were showcased in the bookcases flanking the fireplace.
The Judges Wrote: "Tranquil and handsome." "Tastefully done."
Second Place:
Directions in Design
1849 Craig, 314-205-2010,
Third Place:
RJI Design
214 N. Gay, 314-862-5703
Category 19 / Best Traditional Interior Design
Winner: Jamieson Designs, 4100 Laclede, 314-371-1777
The Project: The formal neoclassical façade reveals multiple surprises as the north and south wings of the residence unfold. The homeowners had requested a style that would evoke the husband's New Orleans French heritage, while still adhering to the tenets of formal classicism. The architect achieved this with a façade reminiscent of the grand town homes in London and Paris, cities where the couple lived during the first years of their marriage. Designs for the exterior terraces and balconies reference New Orleans, where the family has operated an antiques business for more than 100 years. The pool, separated from the property by an almost ha-ha, includes a pool house inspired by the Brighton Pavilion.
The couple worked with the designer to assemble, virtually from scratch, two distinct collections. The furniture comprises a mix of masterworks from the early 19th-century Neoclassical period as well as work from the 20th-century Modern period. A broad range of furniture styles is represented, including French and Russian Empire, English Regency, Biedermeier, Art Deco, Art Moderne and midcentury. The furniture collection features works by Molitor, Jacob-Desmalter, Feres, Loos, Arbus, Subes, Poillerat, Miro, Lelu, Fornasetti, Parisi, Scarpa, Duquette and Draper. Contrasting with the sensual lines of the furniture, the art collection boasts work by leading American, European and Chinese artists and photographers including Andy Warhol, Peter Halley, George Condo, Joe Andoe, Candida Hofer, Thomas Ruff, Gerhardt Richter, Cindy Sherman, Alex Ross, Tim Eitel, Yue Minjun and Zhang Xiaogang.
Select new furnishings from Therrien, Victoria Hagan and Mattaliano complement the collections. Sources for textiles include Holly Hunt, J. Robert Scott, Jim Thompson, Henry Calvin, Fortuny, Brunschwig & Fils and Samuel & Sons.
The successful collaboration between clients, architect (Brian Smith of Gunn & Smith), interior designer (Jimmy Jamieson) and landscape designer (Moynihan & Associates) resulted in an experience that is visually arresting, luxurious and witty. Devoid of superfluous gestures and embellishment, this is a luminous setting for antiquities and art.
The Judges Wrote: "Well done. Truly interesting references to classical examples." "Serious and masculine."
Second Place:
Havens Construction
10405 Baur, 314-692-0134
Third Place Tie:
Marc Christian Fine Cabinetry
2366 Schuetz, 314-994-7111,
A. Miles Designs
2950 Milton, 314-517-0460
Category 20 / Best Contemporary Design
Winner: Susan Bower & Stephen Leet, 8 The Knolls, 314-991-5497
The Project: See Category 1
The Judges Wrote: "Crisp! Clean, well-executed design." "Great design!"
Second Place:
brooksBerry & Associates Kitchens and Baths
751 Old Frontenac Square, 314-872-7720,
Third Place:
Space LLC
3130 Sutton, 314-647-2020,
The Judges
Rob Corser
Professor of Architecture, formerly at the University of Kansas, now at the University of Washington
Stephen Drucker
Editor-in-chief, House Beautiful
Sam Grawe
Editor-in-chief, Dwell
Kimo Griggs
Kimo Griggs Architects, Professor of Architecture at Yale and the University of Washington
Thomas MontAlto
Architect and creator of highmodernhomes.com
Carolyne Roehm
Designer, author and creator of carolyneroehm.com
Rocio Romero
Architectural designer and creator of the LV Home
